"Captivating Japanese Sweets: The Exquisite 'Mineral Fruits' from Okashi Maru, a Trending Confectionery on Social Media"

Beautiful Wagashi That Are Trending on Social Media ♡

Have you heard about the wagashi that is currently trending on Instagram and Twitter?*

Here it is: the mineral-like wagashi crafted by the confectionery workshop 'Okashimaru' in Kyoto.

They are being praised as "almost like jewels" and "incredibly beautiful" ♡

Crafted by Okashimaru in Kyoto *

'Okashimaru' is a confectionery workshop that was launched solo by Sayoko Sugiyama, a member of the wagashi creative unit "Hika." They focus on creating wagashi that utilize the colors and shapes of nature.

The workshop and store of 'Okashimaru' is located near Kamigamo Shrine in the northern part of Kyoto City.

Dried sweets for souvenirs can be purchased in the gallery, but the artistic fresh sweets that change with the seasons are available only by reservation. They are very special wagashi that are hard to come by.

Here are just a few of the beautiful wagashi from Okashimaru ♡

Like a Gem! Okashimaru's Wagashi ① Mineral Fruit

A polyhedral amber candy with a branch of Kuro-moji (a tree from the camphor family) stuck in it, called [Mineral Fruit].

They use pesticide-free and fertilizer-free beet sugar, sweet summer oranges, and agar. The yellow semi-transparent agar resembles amber, with a crunchy exterior and a gooey interior.

It is reputed to make you feel like you're eating a fantastical fruit ♡

Like a Gem! Okashimaru's Wagashi ②

This is the thin pink fresh sweet called [Agar Stone], designed to look like a mineral. It consists of a filling made of yam and white beans, along with lots of transparent agar. It looks just like a gem extracted from a rocky surface.

You can enjoy the contrasting textures of the bouncy agar and the soft filling ♡

Like a Gem! Okashimaru's Wagashi ③

This wagashi named [Tokihikari] was produced by Okashimaru for Nishi Hongan-ji Temple in Kyoto. It was made to represent the lanterns offered to Buddha, incorporating the hōzuki (Chinese lantern plant) ♡

The orange hōzuki floating in the agar looks incredibly beautiful.

Like a Gem! Okashimaru's Wagashi ④

This sweet called [Taste of Clouds] resembles clouds floating in the sky. It is a marshmallow-like confection made with agar and egg white, commonly known as Hōzui.

The moment it enters your mouth, you'll feel its fluffy texture as it quickly melts away. It's a fleeting, beautiful wagashi that allows you to fulfill the dream of wanting to eat clouds!

Like a Gem! Okashimaru's Wagashi ⑤ Hangesho's Jewel

[Hangesho's Jewel] is a sweet made in line with the Hangesho season. Hangesho refers to the day that is 11 days after the summer solstice.

Inside the four translucent agar candies that resemble leaves, pistachios are encased *

It is said to be exclusively sold every early summer at Ryojuin Temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto.

[Okashimaru] has increased my list of places to visit in Kyoto.

I have introduced you to the trending, exquisitely beautiful wagashi. Each one is gorgeous, and I am curious about what they taste like.

Sayoko Sugiyama of Okashimaru states, "Eventually, I would like to create sweets in front of customers so they can enjoy the excitement of fresh creations." I can't wait for that day ♡

When you visit Kyoto, make sure to stop by Okashimaru. You will encounter jewel-like wagashi that will adorn your Kyoto travel memories.

(As they have irregular business hours, please check their website or Facebook before visiting.*)

➡ Here is the website for 'Okashimaru'